JDM Engine Depot, NJ. Bad Bad Bad

Hi all,

Hate to post a bad review but this one is a bad one.

I purchased a 3.4 for a 97 Tacoma from JDM ENGINE DEPOT early November. The engine was delivered a few days later. I transported the engine from the delivery point to my shop in New Mexico. On arrival I removed the wrapping and found that every hose, wire and cable had been cut from the old vehicle. First thought was chop shop. The engine was removed from a vehicle that they were not going to put a motor back into. The alternator and PS pump were also on the motor with cut wires and hoses.

I put the motor on the engine stand and pulled the timing belt inspection cover. I tried to rotate the motor by hand and it stopped about 1/4 turn and stopped. I said a couple nasty words and pulled the plugs just to find water on the number 4 plug. I got out the scope and could see water and corrosion on the #2 and 4 with just corrosion on the 1 and 5. I took some pictures and called JDM.

First call, the guy asked for pictures, I sent them and called back. I couldn’t talk to the first guy but asked the second guy if the pictures had arrived. He said yes and wanted a video also. I sent a video with some difficulty but did finally get one to go and called again. The is time I got the bankers telephone runaround. Finally someone answered and initial claim was denied and all further contacts must be done by email.

Since that time I have received one email stating that they pressure washer the motors and the flywheel bolts were causing it not to turn. They do not answer their phones or I get the bankers runaround. They have not answered any of my emails.

I disassembled the motor completely and found massive corrosion in the ports, valves and on the combustion area of the heads. I took them to see if they could be rebuilt and they can not.
The rings on 4 on the cylinders were stuck and the oil rings were full of mud and corrosion. The cylinders will need bored. There was at least 4 quarts of water in the oil, oil and filter were in the engine when it arrived. The oil pump even had mud in it.

This motor cost 1799 plus 300 shipping. I read the reviews on this company after the fact and found that they have few if any good reviews. My fault, I should have read the reviews before buying this motor.

Anyhow, I posted a YouTube video of the take down and most of what I found and I’m working on a second video right now. The video is worth 1000 words.

https://youtu.be/Bz1lks6rwhQ